There's nothing sweeter than victory, except a win that earns you a day off.
Australia wrapped up a four-wicket triumph in Brisbane on day four of the second Test against India, earning the right to enjoy some unexpected rest.
Some players travelled to Melbourne on Sunday, while others will fly out as scheduled on Monday.
Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle bowled in the Gabba nets on Sunday, but otherwise the squad kept it low key.
Coach Darren Lehmann suggested the extra break will help heal sore bodies, but also allow Australia to work harder at training this week.
"It gives us that extra day - and not having to bowl on that fifth day gives you a little bit more time (to recover)," Lehmann said.
"I know that was tough - the turnaround from Adelaide to Brisbane.
"It gives us a bit more time to get prepared and freshen up for Boxing Day - and have a couple of good quality training sessions, which I think we need."
Lehmann felt his side had played reasonably well to take a 2-0 lead in the four-Test series.
"But we certainly want to raise the bar," he added.
"We haven't bowled as well or as consistent as we have in the past."
Shane Watson bowled 27.4 overs in the second Test and Lehmann held "no concerns" about the allrounder doing so again at the MCG.
"He's going really well. He's really confident in his body," Lehmann said of Watson.
"We need him to make some runs, but bowling should be no dramas."
Harris is expected to take Mitchell Starc's spot in the XI that defeated India in Brisbane, but Lehmann was giving little away.
"We'll just have to make a call close to Boxing Day," he said.
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